Derby tragedy causes protests

by Ryan Grindle

Following the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby, celebration turned into sadness as second place finisher Eight Belles had to be euthanized soon after breaking both of her ankles soon after crossing the finish line. This is the second time in three years that tragedy has struck the Triple Crown. Back in 2006, Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro fractured three bones in his right hind leg. The now infamous colt died less than a year later.
The day after Saturday’s race, “People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals” (PETA) condemned horse racing, as well as Eight Belles’ jockey Gabriel Saez. This past Monday, Saez released a statement saying, “I remain heartbroken over Eight Belles, and I want to let her many fans know that she never gave me the slightest indication before or during the race that there was anything bothering her, all I could sense under me was how eager she was to race”. Talking about Saez, Eight Belles’ owner, Larry Jones, said, “This kid made every move the right move, and I hate it that they’re wanting to jump down his throat”.
Organizations like PETA are getting absolutely ridiculous. They claim that these thoroughbred horses are constantly abused, yet this isn’t true at all. Race horses are cared for immensely by their owners and are rarely abused.
PETA argues that horses should not be allowed to race in Breeder’s Cup unless they are old enough. Frankly, if a filly is able to finish in second place in the Kentucky Derby to a horse with 3-1 odds, I think she is old enough to compete.